Admissions

Program Requirements

Admission Process and Requirements:

The Certificate Program is open to students who have the equivalent of a US grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 (on a scale of 4.0) and can submit university transcripts showing completion of a minimum of two years of university study.

Application Instructions


In order for your application to be complete, you need to submit the materials listed below:

  1. Application form. Complete the application form.

  2. Official transcript from the university you currently attend (if the transcript is not in English, you will also need to provide a certified English translation)

  3. One letter of recommendation from a faculty member or an academic advisor in English.

  4. Proof of English Language Proficiency based on one of the tests listed below. Official score reports can be sent directly from the testing agency upon request.

    1. TOEFL (minimum: 510 paper-based, 180 computer-based, 61 Internet-based). Institutional code: 5007

    2. IELTS (minimum: 5.5)
      Students whose English proficiency scores are greater than 550 (TOEFL paper-based); 213 (TOEFL computer-based), 80 (TOEFL internet-based) or 6.5 (IELTS) or are native English speakers may apply directly to either the Abroad at AU or Washington Semester program and are not required to take the intensive academic English program.


  5. Financial documents can be submitted at the same time with the application materials or shortly thereafter. Your financial documents are necessary for your visa application. They must be in English and include the following:

    1. If you have a sponsor in your home country:

      • Official Bank Statement (no more than 3 months old) of the sponsor from your home country, stamped and signed by a bank official;

      • Account summary or summary of liquid assets of the sponsor from your home country (no more than 3 months old);

      • An individual sponsor who is not a US citizen or US Permanent Resident must also submit a letter of sponsorship (including duration, amount, and nature of sponsorship), stating that you are allowed to use the funds for study in the US.

    2. If you have a sponsor (such as a parent) in the USA:

      • Official Bank Statement of the US sponsor, stamped and signed by a bank official (no more than 3 months old);

      • Account summary or summary of liquid assets of the US sponsor (no more than 3 months old);

      • An individual sponsor who is a US citizen or US Permanent Resident must also submit an I-134 Affidavit of Support at http://uscis.gov/graphics/formsfee/forms/i-134.htm

    3. If you have a scholarship:

      • Scholarship letter from sponsoring organization outlining dates, amount, and terms of sponsorship.

Application materials must be sent by regular or express mail. If you choose to fax us a copy of your application materials, you must submit the original documents by regular or express mail as well.

 

Send Materials To:

Intensive Academic English
+ Abroad at AU

OR

Intensive Academic English + Washington Semester

Fax: +1-202-885-1370

Mail: Abroad at AU
Rockwood Building
American University
4400 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20016-8039

  

Fax: +1-202-895-4960

Mail: Washington Semester Program
American University
4400 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20016-8039

 

 

Program Deadlines

Please note that all materials must be received by the application deadline.

Application Deadlines

Study Term

May 1

Full Academic Year (August - May)

Program Calendar AY 08-09

Fall 2008 semester begins August 25, 2008, and all admitted students must plan to arrive on campus the week before this date.

The first ELS class session begins August 25, 2008.

What happens when my application is received?

  1. After we receive your application, we will send you an e-mail acknowledging the receipt of your application materials.
  2. Program staff will review your application and send you the admission decision.
  3. Admitted students can schedule an appointment with the US Embassy or Consulate in their home country. For a complete list of US Embassies and Consulates abroad go to: http://usembassy.state.gov/.
  4. In the meantime, program staff will send you your admit packet, consisting of your admission letter, visa documents, and other information. Make sure you will take all necessary documents to your visa interview.